and his views with regard to israel, for example, and iran, and all the other positions that he's taken over the years will be, i think, very much a matter of discussion during the confirmation process. i think it would be a the lot of tough questions of senator hagel, but he'll be treated fairly by republicans in the senate. >> reporter: the president was asked specifically about chuck hagel last week by david gregory on "meet the press." he referred to hagel as a patriot and said, he has done extraordinary work in the senate and on an intelligence advisory committee. alex? >> hey, peter, just a quick question. are you ready for your office politics interview on wednesday? >> reporter: we're going to bring you down here in a couple of days. the office needs some scrubbing, but we'll try to find the time. >> we'll get a behind the scenes when you were on the campaign trail with romney. we're looking forward to it. joining me now, white house reporter for "the washington post" david nakamura and editor for the huffington post, rachel. mitch mcconnell said the president should lead on spe